What’s The Difference Between Everglades Alligators & Crocodiles?
One of the biggest highlights for anyone visiting the Everglades on private airboat tour is to spot an alligator. They’re everywhere you turn in the Everglades, so you’re bound to spot one while gliding throughout riverways. However, there’s a chance that gator you spotted wasn’t actually an alligator at all! While it’s estimated that over 200,000 alligators call the Everglades “home”, there’s over 2,000 crocodiles that also lay claim to a piece of the Everglades. They’re very closely related, so it’s very easy to mistake one for the other to the untrained eye, however the Swamp Monsters team is here to clue you in on the secrets for figuring out the differences between crocodiles and alligators in the Everglades.
Key Differences Between Alligators and Crocodiles
It can be easy to mistake alligators and crocodiles on first glance, as they’re both large reptiles that look like living dinosaurs, but if you’re an eagle eye you can spot these key differences:
Snout: The most telling sign of whether it’s an alligator or crocodile, an alligator has a much shorter, rounded snout whereas the crocodile has a long thin snout. The short snout of alligators allows it to produce far more pressure with it’s bite than a crocodile.
Color: While certainly difficult to spot, alligators and crocodiles have different coloration in their skin. Alligators tend to be a darker grey, while crocodiles are usually a light olive green or tan.
Size: Both the alligator and crocodile are massive creatures, weighing in at hundreds of pounds. The typical alligator will grow to be around 10-15 feet long and average around 400-600 pounds. Crocodiles, on the other hand, can grow to be upwards of 17 feet and weigh in at over 2,000 pounds.
Where They Swim: Both alligators and crocodiles enjoy sunbathing, but both can effortlessly swim through the Everglades’ riverways as well. The key difference between them is that alligators tend to stick towards freshwater, while crocodiles stay towards the more brackish, saltwater areas—even though they can live in freshwater all the same.
With these differences in mind, you’ll be able to spot whether you’re seeing an alligator or crocodile almost instantly! Fascinatingly enough, the Everglades is the only place on the planet where both alligators and crocodiles coexist, making it a truly one of a kind destination.
Spot Alligators On A Private Airboat Tour Today!
Are you ready to see alligators up close and personal? Then schedule your private airboat tour today with Swamp Monsters! While we can’t control what wild animals will be up to daily, our captains are highly skilled and knowledgeable on the best areas to spot them while out on the water. Book your tour today and experience the one of a kind adventures that the Everglades has to offer!
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